Remote Trailer Maneuvering Feedback via Haptics and Spatial Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers reversing vehicles with trailers face challenges due to counterintuitive steering wheel inputs and the need to frequently look at handheld devices for control, which can distract from monitoring the trailer's movement.
Innovation Solution
A remote-control vehicle maneuvering system using a personal communication device that provides enhanced feedback through directional haptic vibrations, spatial audio signals, and moving icons on a touchscreen, allowing for intuitive control of vehicle and trailer movements without constant visual attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person uses a handheld device for remote-control vehicle maneuvering, then the person can control the vehicle in reverse, but the person has to frequently look at the handheld device which distracts from monitoring the trailer's movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including haptic feedback through directional vibrations in the handheld device, spatial audio feedback through directional speakers, and visual feedback through moving icons on the touchscreen. These feedback mechanisms provide real-time information about vehicle and trailer movement, allowing the operator to monitor the maneuvering process without constantly looking at the device screen, thus maintaining safety while enabling remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms (such as physical connection between operator and vehicle) with electronic and sensory substitution systems. Haptic vibration motors, spatial audio systems, and touchscreen graphics substitute for direct mechanical sensing, allowing the operator to perceive vehicle movement through multiple sensory channels rather than direct mechanical coupling.
2Device complexity
If steering wheel input directly controls trailer direction, then the control mechanism is simple, but the steering input becomes counterintuitive to the resulting trailer direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical representation of the trailer as an intermediary between the steering input and the actual trailer movement. The graphical trailer icon on the touchscreen moves in correspondence with the actual trailer, providing a visual intermediary that shows the intuitive relationship between steering input and trailer direction, while the actual mechanical connection remains simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the trailer's movement and orientation displayed on the touchscreen. This graphical copy mirrors the actual trailer's position and movement in real-time, providing the operator with an intuitive visual representation that corresponds to steering inputs, while the physical control mechanism remains straightforward.
3Measurement precision
If the person stands outside the vehicle to observe the trailer, then the view of the trailer is improved, but the person cannot operate the handheld device comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides enriched feedback mechanisms (haptic vibrations, spatial audio, and visual icons) that compensate for the reduced visual monitoring capability when the operator is inside the vehicle. These feedback systems provide continuous information about trailer position and movement, allowing the operator to maintain accurate situational awareness while operating the device in a comfortable seated position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes direct visual observation with electronic sensing and feedback systems. Cameras and sensors on the vehicle capture trailer position and movement, then transmit this information to the handheld device through multiple sensory channels (haptic, audio, visual), replacing the need for direct human visual observation with an electronic observation and feedback system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Minimizes the need to look away from the vehicle or trailer during operation, enhancing control precision and safety by providing continuous, intuitive feedback through tactile and auditory cues.
Implementation Method 1
A remote-control vehicle maneuvering system using a personal communication device that provides enhanced feedback through directional haptic vibrations
Implementation Method 2
spatial audio signals, and moving icons on a touchscreen
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally pertains to a vehicle maneuvering system that includes a personal communication device configured to provide enhanced feedback during vehicle maneuvering operations. In an example scenario, an individual executes a remote-control action upon a personal communication device such as, for example, by swiping a finger across a touchscreen. The personal communication device communicates with a vehicle controller to maneuver the vehicle. Enhanced feedback pertaining to the movement of the vehicle, such as a direction and/or a speed of movement, is provided via the personal communication device in various formats. Some examples include a directional haptic vibration that moves in the personal communication device in correspondence to the movement of the vehicle (and/or a trailer attached to the vehicle), a spatial audio signal that is produced in spatial correspondence with the movement of the vehicle/trailer, and/or an icon that moves spatially on the touchscreen in correspondence with the vehicle/trailer.